I enjoy adventure travel experiences. I like trying new things. Sometimes people need me to wear a helmet and sign a waiver. I still do these things. I am an adventure traveler.
I wanted try to Zip-line to see if the reviews were true. My sister went on a zip-trek eco-tour with a friend and really enjoyed it. I have gone rock climbing and felt like this would be safer and probably as exhilarating. I was not disappointed. The real excitement of the zip-line is where you have your leap of faith and start the zip! You are held in place with a harness around your legs, waist and upper body. This is also known as a full body harness that is safe and very secure.
The attention to detail for zip-line safety is very thorough. Yes, accidents due happen but they are rare and if you are concerned about any aspect of zipping you should ask the operator and guides lots of questions before you sign up. Most companies will be happy to provide you with a good level of customer service right in the shop - if not, walk away and find an operator who will give you a high level of customer service.
Clothing that should be worn are knee length shorts of comfortable pants such as cargo pants, track pants or sweat pants. Wearing a t-shirt or light jacket is recommended depending on the weather. Tank tops may not be suitable and some operators will ask that your shoulders be covered. Keep in mind that safety is important and this is an outdoor experience. If you have never been in the forest before it's a good idea to wear some sunscreen and bug repellent. If you are planning on wearing sunglasses be sure that they are fastened to your head or they may fall off and be lost on the forest floor.
Some basic zip-line rules are:
1) Do not enter the area to be secured to the zip-line unless told to do so by your guide.
2) Do not jump off the steps at the beginning of your zip-line because it will cause the line to ripple up and down and create bumps for the next person zipping.
3) At the end of the zip do not flail and wave your arms. Be guide friendly to ensure a safe exit from the line and prevent injury to yourself or your guide.
A lot of folks who go on zips enjoy taking pictures and videos of the experience some operators will have a camera-person taking pictures and video of the zip-line for resale to participants at the end of the day.
If you are planning on taking a camera be sure that it is securely fastened to your body and does not post a risk of tangling in any lines. The guides will check that you are harnessed properly and may also be sure that the strap is not around your neck but you must take personal responsibility. That said; try shooting some video before the trek starts as a warm-up. If you are excited about the day you will have to work out the shaking hands and get the comfortable with the camera in your harness. When you are about to start zipping you may be so excited that you forget to turn the camera on to shoot a video! Or worse yet, turn it off by accident in the air!
The best part of the trek is really meeting some new people that want to try something new. You may notice some veterans in the crowd that like hanging upside down while zipping and that's why safety is so important when you're having fun.
